Summary of my 2008 in Songs

Before I do my top songs for January, I thought it only fitting to make a summary of my 2008 with songs that highlighted memories or helped me through tough spells.

1. Far Far- Yael Naim
2. So Close- Jon McLaughlin
3. See You Again- Miley Cyrus
*Neva Hibbing & Rebekah Hanson introduced me to this song in the spring. It became a Renovation Women pillar in our year-long-bonding of crazy randomness.
4. Valley of the Shadow- Thomas Newman (From "Little Women")
*I saw this movie for the first time last year and it made me cry more than any movie I've ever seen. Last year was also the year I learned how to cry-- so that was a big deal for me. For a girl that grew up on Ninja Turtles, Pokemon and Power Rangers, I certainly came into contact with my feminine side sufficiently through having watched this movie at least 5 times since the first. This song will always have a special place in my heart.
5. Over the Rainbow- Jason Castro
*Jason Castro was my favorite American Idol contestant during the 2008 season. Lets face it, he wasn't the most experienced or most talented by any means, but it was his personality and his style that caught my eye. It's not often that we have a more "folk"-centered and chill-styled contestant. He beat the odds and made it to the top 4! This is by far my favorite song that he did-- I listen to it all the time!
6. No Air- Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown
*Thank you Neva and Rebekah for this song too! This became the SONG of the three of us. Especially Rebekah and I. If either of us would hear it on the radio, we'd have to call the other and serenade them with it.
7. I Had My Reasons- The Great Upset
*When Jeromy and The Great Upset came and played at Zeke's during Ragbrai, I fell in love with this group and bought their CD. This song has incredible emotion and depth to it that I love and respect so much in the songs that Jeromy writes. I have really come to cherish this song- especially before or after taking communion. It's such a clear reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made.
8. S.O.S.- Jonas Brothers
*Lifegroup song, what can I say? This was a favorite jamming-out-in-the-car-together song.
9. Kingdom of Love- Shani
*From the movie "One Night With the King". This is a mood-lifter. Definitely reminds me of weddings and joy.
10. Hymn- Brooke Fraser
*I discovered this artist-- she's wonderful and this was my favorite song off her album "Albertine". It's a real, genuine, raw song. I appreciate that.
11. This is Me- Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas
*Lifegroup song. This is from a Disney premiere movie, "Camp Rock".
12. Lost- Coldplay
*I have this song in about 5 versions, from acoustic to featuring different artists as well. This song gave me hope when I felt very alone and it also inspired me musically to write a few songs.
13. Love Story- Taylor Swift
*Amber introduced this song to me (I hugely dislike country music, so it took some effort on her part!) because of a line in it that reminded her of my dad and I. "Little did I know that you were Romeo; you were throwing pebbles and my daddy said "Stay away from Juliet"." Funny thing is, she was right on! I was hooked once I realized that. Just this song though.... not country music as a whole... haha
14. While I'm Waiting- The Blessing
*I was introduced to this song when I saw the movie "Fireproof". (Great movie, by the way.) This song could accurately describe my September-December of 2008, as I've been painfully trusting and waiting in an area of my life.
15. Alabaster Box- Cece Winans
*For any who went to Andy Gray's seminar at Faithwalkers entitled "Falling Slowly", this is the song he referred to. This song has been rocking my world since Faithwalkers-- so it was only in my life for the last few days of 2008, but in that short time, it did wonders.
16. By Your Side- Tenth Avenue North
*Wow, these guys encouraged me so much the last 3 months of 2008. Seeing them in concert was so amazing-- this song pumps truth into my system when I desperately need it.
17. Sun Down- Iver
*This is a Julie Johnson gem. We listened to this multiple times on our camping trip during the late summer. LOVE IT!
18. Wedding Dress- Derek Webb
*Another great concert I went to in 2008. His music has the same effect on me that Tenth Avenue North does. I appreciate that Derek is not afraid of being raw, genuine and REAL. I can relate to his struggles quite often.
19. You are on Our Side- Bethany Dillon
*Another Julie song gem. Bethany captures the love of Christ so clearly. This song and the following song are the two I think I have played more in 2008 than any other. They have encouraged me more than I even know.
20. Could I- Kim McMechan
*This song has comforted my tears so many times. If I had to pick just ONE song to summarize my 2008, this would be it.